Fri Jan 11 '19 Announcement
over 5 years ago
– Fri, Jan 11, 2019 at 12:30:47 PM
Hello IGGers and a Happy New Year to you all!
We're sorry for the delay in this post. It’s been a whirlwind few days for us at Ampere HQ, so let’s bring you up to speed on everything going on. But before we dig in, we wanted to let you know that we’re sending this update to you LIVE from Las Vegas.
But why are we in Las Vegas?
Because Ampere is at CES 2019!
That’s right, we’ve brought Unravel to CES to show off what we believe is one of the best wireless chargers on the market. It's been a hectic few days, but we’ve already had the opportunity to meet some of you in person and we’re hoping that more of you will stop by today. If you are one of the tech-thirsty CES-ers visiting this year’s show, you can find us:
@ Eureka Park, booth #51865
@ Wireless Device Section, LVCC South 4, booth #36517
As you many of you know, CES is the biggest Consumer Electronics Show in the world where the best new products get debuted every year… from the likes of Sony, Logitech and… Ampere???
Yep, that’s right Unravel was the top selection on Digital Trend’s “Best and Most Interesting Mobile Accessories at CES 2019”.
Here’s what they had to say…
“Unravel is offering a better solution — a triple wireless charger that folds down into a tiny travel package just a few inches across. It’s capable of fast charging three devices at once, or folding into a handy FaceTime-friendly wireless charging stand. It’s convenient, it’s portable, and it could be your new best friend.” Read the full article HERE.
And here are some other things we’ve heard from journalists, retailers and, yep, backers here at CES:
“I travel all the time and this would be perfect for me”
“This is the most interesting product I’ve seen today”
“Can I play with that?!”
“I’ve never seen a wireless charger that can charge an Apple Watch AND an iPhone”
“I kinda wish I chose purple”
If you can’t get to CES, we're going to do a livestream at 1:30 PM PST!
#UnravelAnywhere Contest
As some backers have already seen, inside your Unravel box, you will receive a special flyer explaining our first Instagram contest — Unravel Anywhere. And in this contest we have a very special prize....
We’re going to give away two flights ANYWHERE in the world* to one lucky backer. Yep, anywhere!
As you all know, we’ve designed Unravel with travel in mind. The Unravel team has been traveling a lot over the last few weeks and having Unravel by our side has been a big game changer. So, if you want a chance to win, we want you to show us where you take your Unravel. Simply take photo of your Unravel while you're out and about, post it on Instagram and use #UnravelAnywhere in your post. More detailed instructions will be found inside your Unravel box, so look out for it when it arrives.
Enough about CES and contests, we know some of you are itching for a shipping update, so let’s dive straight in.
*Conditions apply
Shipping Update
As you know, we shared a shipping timeline in our last update. Since then, we successfully shipped out our first production run. However, we have also experienced some delays in the next batches.
The reason for the delay is that our assembly has progressed slower than expected. The same innovative Apple Watch charging technology that landed us on the 2019 best mobile accessories list at CES has also resulted in complicated assembly and testing processes.
We know this is frustrating for you to hear and it’s been frustrating for us as well. We are working very closely with our factory partners to get the units assembled as fast as possible, but we also want to ensure that you get the highest quality product.
At this point in time, we have been assured that we are on track to send most Indiegogo orders in January (assuming you've filled out your shipping survey). Unfortunately, we can't offer info to backers about specific batches at this time. We will continue to provide weekly updates as we work with our manufacturing partners to finish and ship orders as quickly as possible.
Please note, you can still change your shipping address until you receive a final address confirmation email from Backerkit asking you to confirm your address.
Thanks all for your patience and support. It won’t be much longer now and rest assured Unravel will be worth the wait.
That’s it from us for now. We’ll be sending you guys frequent updates over this month to give you all the details on what’s going on with shipping.
Tue Dec 25 '18 Announcement
over 5 years ago
– Tue, Dec 25, 2018 at 07:35:23 AM
Seasons greetings Unravelers!
We want to give you a full update on the status of shipping, which began this week.
In this update, we’re going to cover,
- Manufacturing: Behind-the-scenes Look
- Shipping Schedule Update
- Power Banks Update
- Downloadable Holiday Card
So let’s dig in!
Manufacturing: Behind-the-scenes Look
As you know, we have been working closely with our factory to begin mass production of Unravel. We’ve spent the better part of the last several weeks in the workshop with our engineers reviewing each component before production and inspecting final products as they come off the line. To get your taste buds salivating, check out a few snaps of what’s going on.
Working Side-by-Side
PCB Behind the Scenes
Wireless Coils for Days
Mass Production Underway
Off the Production Line
With all of this eye candy, we know what you’re thinking – where’s my Unravel at!? So let’s chat about shipping…
Shipping Schedule Update
As we mentioned, shipping of the first batch of Unravels began this week! Part of our team has been posted up at FedEx in San Francisco to ship to US backers and part of our team has been at our Shenzhen warehouse to ship to international backers. We are proud to report that some of our US, Asia, Europe and Australia backers received their Unravels before Christmas.
(these backers should have already received a shipping confirmation w tracking info)
For those backers who do not receive their Unravels by Christmas, please accept our sincere apologies.
Unravel Shipping in US
Unravel First Shipment
If you haven't received tracking info yet, why haven't you and when will you?
Over the past few weeks, we have been cranking away at assembly. But it has been slower than expected. Unravel is a unique product and we’ve designed everything from the ground up. The inclusion of the Apple Watch charge solution has significantly increased the complexity of assembly and testing, which has lead to assembly taking longer than we originally estimated.
As much as we wanted to get all backers their Unravel before Christmas, quality is still our top priority and so, rather than rush Unravel out the door, we are making sure we ship you an Unravel that you love and that will endure your travels wherever they may take you.
We know this is frustrating to hear, but we are working around the clock to ship as many Unravels as we can as quickly as we can.
Additionally, due to the holidays and it being peak season for shipping, we are encountering some bottlenecks shipping out Unravels.
In light of this, assembly and shipping of Unravel will take a few weeks and will continue through to January. But rather than waiting for the entire production run to be completed before shipping, we are assembling and testing units in batches and air shipping these batches as soon as they are ready.
Here’s an updated estimated timeline of Unravel shipping batches:
- Week of December 17th – Batch 1: shipped!
- Week of January 7th – Batch 2: currently being assembled
- Week of January 14th – Batch 3
- Week of January 21st – Batch 4
- Week of January 28th – Batch 5
You will receive a final shipping notice from BackerKit as your Unravel order enters the assembly and fulfillment stage. The 2nd batch final shipping notification went out this week and those orders are being prepared to ship as we speak.
You will then receive a shipping confirmation with tracking info to let you know that Unravel has shipped and it is on the way. So please be patient and we promise that you’ll be experiencing wireless travel before you know it.
Many of you have been asking whether or not Unravel will arrive before the holidays. We do apologize if your Unravel didn't arrive before Christmas.
Again, to help put you at ease, we want to re-iterate that we are sparing no expense to get Unravels to you as quickly as possible including shipping via pricey international and domestic air shipping methods.
BUT if you haven't received a shipping confirmation yet or your Unravel didn't arrive by Christmas, we have a band-aid solution for those of you who were planning on gifting Unravel over the holidays (keep reading below at the bottom of the update of our downloadable Holiday Card).
Power Banks Update
In other production news, the shipping of the Unravel Power Banks will be slightly delayed. This is a complex and powerful accessory that is PD-enabled, so it can charge your Unravel, or even your MacBook Pro. It also has a pogo-pin connection to automatically integrate with Unravel for true wireless, wireless charging. We are on pace to complete the Power Bank by the end of January and begin shipping.
If you ordered a Power Bank (as part of your reward level or as an add-on), and your Unravel order is ready before your Power Bank, don't worry we will not delay shipping you your Unravel. If we need to, we will pay the heavy extra shipping fees to air ship your Unravel(s) and other accessories first and then send your Power Bank separately. Again, we apologize for this inconvenience, but we are trying to get everything to you as quickly as possible.
Downloadable Holiday Card
We know that a lot of you wanted Unravel before Christmas, because let’s face it — Unravel is the perfect gift. So, if you were planning on gifting Unravel this year and are starting to panic that you don’t have anything to give – we’ve made a festive downloadable Holiday card that you can print out and customize to share with your friends, loved ones, co-workers or your techy-ex that you’re trying to win back. Check it out below:
Go HERE to download your card.
*print best practices: please print on paper size 4" x 6" and set margins to 0
That’s it from us at Unravel HQ. We’re spending our Christmas and NYE toiling away getting these orders out. From the bottom of our hearts, we again want to thank you for all the kind support you’ve shown us. We are so excited that you are part of the Unravel early adopters community and we have so many more exciting things to come in 2019.
We hope you a wonderful holiday with your friends and loved ones. We are sending you a big virtual hug. Keep checking back as we’ll be giving you weekly updates on shipping.
--- The Ampere Unravel Team
Mon Dec 17 '18 Announcement
over 5 years ago
– Mon, Dec 17, 2018 at 05:42:55 AM
Hello backers!
Today, we have two important updates:
1. Fufillment Surveys Out Now!
2. Accessories Updates
Let’s dig in...
Fulfillment Surveys Out Now!
We started sending out the fulfillment surveys last week, but by now you should all have received the survey. This will be sent to your email registered to your IGG account.
You can also:
Visit BackerKit directly here: https://unravel-fast-wireless-charging-anywhere.backerkit.com. And enter your IGG email to complete the survey.
We need you to fill in your surveys and send them back to us by Thursday, December 20th, 2018 at midnight. Please read carefully:
If you don't fill out your survey by Thursday, December 20th, 2018 at midnight, you will risk a shipping delay of your Unravel.
Of course, we will still accept your survey answers after the December 20th deadline, but your shipping priority may be affected.
We will begin shipping Unravels this week! Unravels will be shipped out in the order that backers backed in, assuming the backer has filled out their survey on time. We will keep you updated during the shipping process.
For more FAQs on the survey, check out our last update.
Accessory Updates
As well as getting your Unravels ready to ship, we’ve also been preparing all of your Unravel accessories. Some updates for you below!
60W Type-C PD Adapter - Increased 2m Cord Length
To give you more freedom and flexibility when powering your Unravel, we’ve decided to increase the cord length of the adaptor from 1.5m to 2m. This will give you more reach, at home, in the office or at your hotel. The good news is that this comes at no extra cost to you!
60W Type-C PD Adapter - Interchangeable World Travel Plugs
A few of our tech-savvy backers asked for it, so we’re making our 60W Type-C PD Adapter even MORE travel-friendly. Our adapters will have a flexible design so that you can change the AC plug type as you see fit. If a 60W Type-C Adapter as part of your pledge or you order one as an add-on, you will be able to choose one of four AC plug options:
- Type A - US, CA
- Type G - UK, HK, SG
- Type C - EU
- Type I - AU, CN
- All 4 Plugs (add $9.99)
However, if you are a world traveler, we will also be offering an Unravel Travel Plug Adapter Bundle for an extra $9.99. It's the perfect accessory for frequent travelers, get more info on this new add-on below!
AirPods Wireless Charging Case
We're happy to announce that we will be offering a wireless charging case for AirPods as an Unravel accessory for just $19.99!
Simply slip your Apple AirPods case into the external protective case and you'll be able to wireless charge them. Now all your favorite tech accessories can be used with Unravel.
Ampere's 1 Year Limited Warranty & Extended One Year Protection Plan
We are proud to announce that all Unravels will come with a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty to protect you in the unlikely event that your Unravel arrives with a manufacturer's defect.
We’re also going to offer an additional Extended One-Year Protection Plan for $19.99 that covers ANYTHING that could happen to your Unravel. And we mean anything...
- Surfing in Bali and left Unravel in your pocket? You are covered.
- Snowshoeing in Alaska and a bear steps on your Unravel? You are covered.
- Fall off your tuk-tuk in Thailand? You get the idea!
This extended warranty will be available in the final fulfillment survey. For those of you with slightly-clumsy tendencies – look out for it.
Last-Chance to get Unravel Accessories
It’s not too late to pick up Unravel’s accessories at early-adopter prices. When you receive your IGG fulfillment survey (this will be sent to your email address attached to your IGG account), you’ll be sent to Backerkit to finalize your Unravel color choices, travel case color choices, and plug configuration. On the Backerkit platform, we’ll also give you one last chance to get Unravel's accessories at their lowest prices ever.
Let’s recap what Unravel’s full accessories lineup looks like:
That’s it from us at Unravel HQ for now… but we will be back with another update later this week. Please remember to fill in your surveys and we’ll be updating you very soon with more details on shipping! We can't wait to get you your Unravels!
--- The Ampere Unravel Team
Thu Dec 6 '18 Announcement
over 5 years ago
– Thu, Dec 06, 2018 at 03:07:53 AM
Hello to our new Indiegogo family!
As this is our first update, we wanted to say a quick thank you for choosing to bring Unravel into your life! We are so excited for you to join a new age of wireless travel with us!
In our first update, we’ll be covering lots of campaign FAQs and Shipping and Fulfillment timelines...
Campaign FAQs
If you’re new to Unravel, let us bring you up to speed by answering a couple of FAQs!
Can Unravel really charge the Apple Watch?
Yes, it can! We have developed our own proprietary solution that allows Unravel to charge the Apple Watch. This has been 100% tested and we are proud to announce that not only does Unravel charge the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 4 as promised, but we are pleased to announce that Unravel will now also charge the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2! We’ll dive deeper into this with another update in the next few days.
Do I need the 60W Type-C PD Adapter?
Yes, you do need a Type-C PD Adapter to power Unravel. If you have a new MacBook, then the good news is that you already have one! However, if you don’t own one and you haven’t selected one through our campaign – your Unravel will not charge your devices. But don’t fret, if you’ve already selected a perk you still can get your hands on an Unravel 60W Type-C PD Adapter – simply add one on when you fill in your fulfilment surveys (more on this in the next update). We offer a very high-quality option at a great price (almost 60% cheaper than the same one Apple offers).
How do I order a Unravel Travel Case or Power Bank separately?
UNRAVEL TRAVEL CASE (50% OFF)
UNRAVEL POWER BANK (40% OFF)
What are the Updates on Shipping?
We’ve been incredibly busy behind the scenes to get Unravel ready for shipping. We’ve been working alongside our engineers on the workshop floor fine-tuning everything and we are proud to report that yes, we are on track for our December shipping target! We’ll go into more detail on this below.
At this moment, we have almost 5,000 backers who have pre-ordered Unravel so we need to collect everyone’s shipping details, accessory orders and final order details like color selection and plug type in the next week. Below we walk you through the process of how we do this and also answer some FAQs.
When Will The Shipping Survey Go Out and How Long Do I Have to Fill Out the Survey?
The surveys will start to go out to our Indiegogo backers on Tuesday December 11th.*
*please note: surveys will not be sent to all IGG backers on Dec 11; see the next question for details
We need you to complete the survey by Thursday, Dec. 13th at midnight.
Who will the surveys go out to? Why?
The surveys will go out to everyone who backed our Indiegogo campaign more than 11 days before the date the surveys go out - so this is everyone who backed the campaign before Dec 1st.
This is because it takes 10 days for your payment to fully process and so we need to wait 11 days to send you your shipping survey.
What Happens if I Don’t Fill Out the Survey?
Don’t fear - you can still fill out your survey after the deadline and you will still receive the perk. However, if you don’t fill out your survey in the time allotted, you will not get preference in the shipping queue.
What if I Back Unravel After Dec. 11 or after Dec 1?
That’s fine! For backers who join the campaign AFTER these dates, you’ll get your survey approximately 11 days after you back our Indiegogo - so if you backed our campaign on Dec 5th, you will get your survey on Dec 16th, give or take 1 week. Based on when you back and when you fill in your survey will determine your shipping queue position.
Moving or Want your Unravel Shipped Somewhere Else?
We will lock addresses right before they ship on a rolling basis so you will still be able to update your address right up until your Unravel ships. However, your color choices, plug options and any add-ons you might pre-order will be locked and final.
How Do I Pick My Colors & Add-ons?
The process is simple and takes less than one minute. Just click on the link in the email you receive when you receive your shipping survey to be redirected to BackerKit and then enter your IGG email address to access your survey. There will be a couple of questions to answer:
- What 'highlight' color do you want for your Unravel?
- What plug configuration do you want for your Unravel Charger?
- What color do you want for your travel case?
Just answer the questions for each Unravel you ordered, then select your add-on choices and purchase any additional add-ons you want at the discounted pricing.
Then please enter your shipping address. And that's it!
This Survey Stuff is Confusing. Can I Get Some Help?
Of course! Backerkit has their own customer service team to help you with survey-related questions. We will send you the BackerKit help contact info once the survey goes out.
The Ampere team is also here and ready to help you through the process. Send any product questions, Indiegogo questions, and “what are the coolest airports to wirelessly charge in the world” questions to us via Kickstarter or email us at [email protected]
Once again, the real fun is just beginning and we can't wait to get you your Unravels!
--- The Ampere Unravel Team
